The Boy On The Stairs
written by: David Wagoner
He haunts me.
His knee sideways,
on the step.
His limp hand trapped beneath.
Another life ended too soon.
So young.
Life before him.
Dead.
He haunts me.
That only child.
No flunking grades
play their part.
No suicide note.
No broken heart.
He haunts me.
Remove the body.
White sheet.
The pure shroud of early death.
I’m his first pallbearer.
He haunts me.
Perjured verdict.
Evidence withheld.
Naked.
Hanging.
His knees touching the step.
Seed dripping down.
That other reason haunts me.
Death by that other name.
The coroner ruled suicide.
The dreadful lolling head.
His tearful mother laying the wreath.
Which is more comforting the truth or the lie.
David Wagoner is a retired CAD programmer and Master Machinist who has been writing poetry since high school. He has appeared in a number of anthologies: "Poet's Unify World," "To Dads- with Love," "SCENTSIBILITY," "Metaphorphosis."
Latest posts by David Wagoner (see all)
- Women - July 15, 2022
- The Telling - May 7, 2022
- The Ice Dragon - February 27, 2022
